Cajamarca

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Peru).

Cajamarca is a city located in the northern highlands of Peru, in the Andes mountains. While tourism is important to its economy, most families live off mining, agriculture and manufacturing. It’s estimated that the planned mining projects will reduce the poverty rate in the region. Most recent figures show an increase in poverty to 43%. This increase was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was most prominent in urban areas, where many activities stopped. In contrast, most farming and fishing in rural areas could continue.

Since 2010, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Cajamarca.

15%
Of children in Peru are forced to work

Children forced to work

According to UNICEF data, 15% of children in Peru are working. This is especially the case in rural areas: younger children start by herding animals and as they get older, the work gets more physically demanding. In some areas, children as young as five must combine domestic chores with work and school. Working long hours has a negative impact on their ability to attend school and complete homework. As a result, many children drop out of school without completing primary education.

62%
Of households in the northern region are poor

Children living in poverty

Around 62% of households in the northern region of Peru are living in poverty. A community-based study found that the main reason households ended up living in poverty in Cajamarca was illness and healthcare expenses. When adults cannot work, then children have to help out to make ends meet. Children face further challenges: food insecurity and malnutrition are concentrated in Peru’s poorest regions such as Cajamarca where 32% of children below 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition.

Your support makes a difference for children in Cajamarca

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
10
Families
Can stay together
380
Children
Can attend our kindergartens
35
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Children enjoy playing outside and indoors. One of their favourite activities, and one that is very good for their development, is to put puzzles together (photo: SOS Children’s Village Cajamarca).

How your support helps in Cajamarca

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school...
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.